This missing tile (above) was noticed during ascent. The area it came from endures more heat during ascent than during re-entry.
A missing tile has been found near the left orbital maneuvering system stinger. However, a NASA report says the area is subjected to more heat during ascent than during re-entry. The damage will not endanger the shuttle or the crew.
"That's not considered an issue," NASA spokesman Rob Navias said.
Also today at 2:15 p.m. EST, the Atlantis crew will use a camera mounted on the shuttle robot arm to examine another area of slight damage on the right OMS pod blanket. The damage on the left OMS stinger cannot be viewed with the robot arm.
On Monday, the first spacewalk - delayed by 24 hours - will begin at 9:35 a.m. EST.
The 11-day mission has been extended by one day, and mission managers say there will be enough power and supplies to add a second day, if necessary.
Mission managers today plan a focused inspection of the insulation blanket tear on the orbital maneuvering system pod. A similar tear during STS-117 this summer was repaired during a spacewalk.
Click for NASA-TV schedule, which details mission events.
Click for STS-122 fact sheet.
Check out mission details in the flight day 4 execute package.
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